Jobs security a major concern in home support shake up

PSA MEDIA RELEASE
Sept 23, 2011
Jobs security a major concern in home support shake up

The PSA is urging Capital & Coast District Health Board (DHB) and community support providers to ensure continuity of service and job security for workers following the DHB’s termination of its community support contract with HealthcareNZ,” says PSA National Secretary Richard Wagstaff.

HealthcareNZ employs more than three hundred people in the Wellington region and has provided community services to the DHB for over 20 years, but earlier this month it was told its support contract would end on 31st October.

“The workers who service this contract are some of the country’s most vulnerable and they’re anxious about what this change will mean for them.”

“We’re calling on the DHB to ensure a transition plan is in place that provides job and service continuity amidst a high level of uncertainty for staff,” says PSA National Secretary Richard Wagstaff.

‘While CCDHB is giving the PSA assurances that service levels will be maintained and jobs preserved, our members are only too well aware that there is nothing in writing at this stage to this effect. They also know that the DHB has shaved $2 million off the current cost of providing this service and that this money must be found somehow.”

“Last year the DHB spent $13 million on home-based support services, but it wants to reduce this amount to $11 million.

“It’s important to clarify and ensure continued employment, pay and conditions for our members.”

“To compound the problem, PSA members have seen jobs advertised in Trade Me by the new providers when they themselves at this point have not been invited to transfer.

“Presently, some don’t know whether they’ll have a job or not after October 31st, or what their pay and conditions will be.”

“Any savings made should be re-invested in the service to support a trained and skilled workforce and the needs of our elderly and aging population.”

“The Government needs to step up and take responsibility for funding this sector sufficiently.”

“We need a hands-on approach by DHB’s and providers alike so that clients and staff can transfer with certainty and without loss.” says Richard Wagstaff.

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